News Release
SIU Concludes Investigation into Man’s Fractured Pelvis in Arrest at Toronto Casino
Case Number: 24-OCI-008
Other News Releases Related to Case 24-OCI-008
SIU Seeking Witnesses of Arrest at Woodbine Casino on Jan. 8
The Director of the Special Investigations Unit, Joseph Martino, found no reasonable grounds to believe a Peel Regional Police officer committed a criminal offence in connection with the fractured pelvis suffered by a 42-year-old man in Toronto.
On January 7th and 8th, 2024, officers were conducting an investigation into a vehicle theft ring that led them to the parking garage of the Grandstand Casino at Woodbine Racetrack. Officers sought to arrest the man for possession of a stolen vehicle and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. An officer tackled the man to the ground out of fear the man had a tool, possibly a screwdriver, in his possession.
Once on the ground, the officer advised the man he was an officer and struck him multiple times. Faced with someone he feared might be in possession of a weapon, whose resistance was significant and protracted, the officer was within his rights in wanting to bring the man into custody as soon as possible, Director Martino concluded.
The man was handcuffed and taken to hospital.
Full Director’s Report (with Incident Narrative, Evidence, and Analysis & Director’s Decision):
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of officials (police officers as well as special constables with the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service) that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person. All investigations are conducted by SIU investigators who are civilians. Under the Special Investigations Unit Act, the Director of the SIU must
- consider whether the official has committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident under investigation
- depending on the evidence, cause a criminal charge to be laid against the official where grounds exist for doing so, or close the file without any charges being laid
- publicly report the results of its investigations
Lisez ce communiqué en français.
Kristy Denette, siu.media@ontario.ca
SIU Communications/Service des communications, UES